1New Zealand's meatworks are involved in a war of nerves with the new killing season just a week away. All agree that there are too many meatworks and that some will need to close before the season begins, but no one wants to take that plunge.

2Interest rates on the latest Government stock tender fell significantly today, leading to expectations that home mortgage interest rates may soon also begin to decline.

3The Labourers' Union has accused overseas contract management companies of creating lockouts n two major construction jobs - the New Zealand Steel expansion site at Glenbrook and at NZ Forest Products' Kinleith works.

4Further efforts at securing a managed wage round have been postponed until Monday, when it is expected Cabinet will determine the Government's attitude to bringing in any regulations enforcing a deal.

5The Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) decision to transfer four air traffic controllers to Auckland will provide only a temporary solution to staffing shortages.

6The High Court has struck out damages claims filed against the police for the death of Paul Chase, who was shot dead by a police officer in Petone in 1983.

7Almost two years after the Queen Street riot, the Government has produced a set of guidelines to help prevent any recurrence of such behaviour..

8Deposed New Zealand Democratic Party leader Bruce Beetham claims that the party's record low performance in the latest public opinion poll roves the party was wrong to dump him from the leadership.

9The Government may give legal aid to conservation groups and individuals fighting environmental issues.

10Police Commissioner Ken Thompson has been admitted to hospital for routine tests for possible heart problems.

11Ministry of Works officials say central Otago farmers and orchardists will not use their water supplies if they delay signing new irrigation agreements.

12American scientists are expected to announce tomorrow more general use of an antiviral drug that has made the first significant progress in the fight against Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

13It is predicted that in some parts of Africa, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) may wipe out entire communities.

14A French military attache in Lebanon was shot dead outside the French Embassy in Beirut by a lone gunman. Meanwhile, a terrorist bombing campaign in Paris has put the city on an almost war alert.

15A handful of Britain's top military men are finding work for themselves advising shipping companies on how to avoid trouble in the Persian Gulf.

16Today marks the first anniversary of the Mexico City earthquake. How have the newborn babies pulled alive from the rubble of a hospital been faring in their first year of life?

17An update on a farm in Kansas featured on the programme about five weeks ago. The farmer had planted out a work of art. Here is what it looks like now.

18The Christchurch Wizard has been convicted today of failing to complete a Census form and says his new criminal status may render his spell on the upcoming Ranfurly Shield match between Canterbury and Auckland useless.